A Journey through China and Japan

Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo

Your journey begins today in Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort.

Accommodation: Two Night, Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Tokyo

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to the Edo Tokyo Museum, where exhibits depict the fascinating history of Japan’s capital during the peaceful Edo period. Next it’s onto the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Hamarikyu Garden, where you’ll have the chance to sample authentic tea and sweets at a Japanese tea house. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine and later, experience the energy of the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tokyo, Hakone

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Take a tour of Odawara before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake before continuing on to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Hakone Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 4 - Mt Fuji, Matsumoto

This morning, take part in a thrilling Insider Experience. Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the snow-capped peak.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Matsumoto, Takayama

Enroute to Takayama you’ll stop at Hirayu Onsen, one of Japan’s famous open-air baths. Continue on to the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills and home to a fascinating array of narrow streets and wooden houses that appear to be untouched by time. Depart on a guided walking tour and see sights including the Old Jinya House and Kami Sannomachi. Later enjoy an excursion to the nearby Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of rustic Japanese farm dwellings.

Accommodation: Takayama, Associa Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima

Enjoy a morning visit to the Miyagawa markets, before travelling to Hiroshima. The city of Hiroshima is now an iconic symbol of peace across the world after experiencing immense destruction at the conclusion of World War II.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Hiroshima, Granvia Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Hiroshima, Miyajima Island

Today, enjoy an Insider Experience at Miyajima Island. Translated to ‘Shrine Island’, the wooded island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine which appears to float on the island’s waters at high tide. During your time here you’ll enjoy a walking tour and see wild deer. This afternoon is set aside for you to discover the other sites of Hiroshima at your own leisure.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Hiroshima, Kyoto

A number of fascinating Insider Experiences will give you an insight into the events that shaped Japan into the country it is today. The memorial Peace Park was established to remember the more than 100,000 lives that were lost, and the A-Bomb Dome is a fascinating relic from the devastating event. Later, travel to Kyoto.

Accommodation: Three Nights, Kyoto, Tokyu Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 9 - Kyoto

Today after an Insider Experience, take a tour of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks including the Nijo Castle, built in 1603; Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which has an exquisite Japanese garden; and Kiyomizu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over Kyoto. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Kyoto, Nara

Today you’ll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with charming narrow streets and an abundance of impressive temples. See the beautiful Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later it’s time for a stroll through Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Kyoto, Osaka

Travel to Osaka where you’ll enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here you will enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Later, spend your final evening with your fellow travellers during a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Osaka, Sheraton Miyako

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 12 - Osaka, Beijing

Transfer to Osaka airport for your included flight to Beijing, China.

Accommodation: Four Nights, Beijing, Novotel Peace Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Beijing

Enjoy a free day to explore. This evening, meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort at a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation:

Meals: Dinner

Day 14 - Beijing, Forbidden City

Begin your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest city squares. Continue on to the Forbidden City and see the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. Steeped in history, it is the former home to an ancient line of Chinese Emperors during the Ming dynasty through to the Qing dynasty. After lunch, explore the World Heritage-listed Summer Palace, the largest royal park in China.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Day 15 - Beijing, Great Wall of China

Enroute to the Great Wall you will stop at the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex of religious buildings founded in the first half of the 15th century. Next, discover China’s greatest icon, the Great Wall of China. Take in the breathtaking views during a cable car ride to the Mutianyu section, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall. Return to the city later, passing by the Beijing National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) and the bubble-covered Water Cube.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16 - Beijing, Xi'an

On arrival in Xi’an, settle in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Xi’an, Grand Mercure

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 - Xi'an

Known for its remarkable collection of Terracotta Warriors, a discovery of Xi'an awaits today. Admire the excavation pits that have housed the thousands of sculptures since around 210 BC. Every sculpture is unique, with distinct facial features, hairstyles, postures and clothing. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Xi’an, taking in some of its most famous sights, including the Great Mosque, the lively Muslim Bazaar and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18 - Xi'an, Chengdu

On arrival in Chengdu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The charming Tibet hotel tastefully combines traditional Tibetan decor with modern furnishings.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Chengdu, Tibet Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 19 - Chengdu, Leshan

Today you will venture to the riverside town of Leshan and take a boat trip to see the famous Grand Buddha. Carved out of a cliff face and towering over the river below at a staggering height of 71 metres, it is the world’s largest ancient Buddha. After lunch, return to Chengdu and visit the Buddhist Wenshu Monastery. Your day of sightseeing comes to an end with a visit to the charming Jinli Street.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Day 20 - Chengdu, Chongqing, Embark Ship

Spend the morning enjoying an Insider Experience before boarding your river ship in Chongqing to begin your relaxing three-night cruise along the Yangtze River.

Accommodation: Three Nights, Yangtze River Cruise, Century Sun

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 21 - Shibaozhai

Today will be spent exploring Shibaozhai, an isolated peak protruding from the northern bank of the Yangtze River. On the river side of the hill sits a magnificent red twelve-story pavilion that was built during the Qing Dynasty. Tonight, you'll enjoy a Captain's Dinner on board.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 22 - Scenic Cruising & Shennong Stream

Today you will enjoy an excursion to the Shennong Stream with its narrow gorges and scenic mountain sides. This evening, enjoy a traditional Chinese buffet dinner back on board the ship.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 23 - Yichang, Disembark Ship, Wuhan

Spend the morning at the Three Gorges Dam Site and take in the colossal scale of the world’s largest hydropower project. Bid farewell to your river ship in Yichang before travelling to Wuhan.

Accommodation: Wuhan, Marco Polo

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 24 - Wuhan, Shanghai

Today begins with a visit to the Yellow Crane Tower, a five-storey yellow tiled marvel sitting at the top of Snake Hill. Later, arrive in Shanghai and spend the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Shanghai, Pullman Jing’an

Meals: Breakfast Lunch

Day 25 - Shanghai

Today, experience Shanghai’s bustling bazaar before visiting the historic Jade Buddha Temple. After lunch, explore the Bund, a famous waterfront area home to an impressive collection of European style buildings. Continue on to Shanghai’s stylish French Concession and wander through the leafy streets. This evening you’ll get to taste the traditional flavours of Shanghainese cuisine during a Farewell Dinner at Xianqiangfang Restaurant.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 26 - Depart Shanghai

Your iconic adventure through China and Japan comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast